Bean Yogi Selected as 2019 Mary V. Gaver Scholarship Recipient

The American Library Association (ALA) has selected Bean Yogi of Seattle, Washington as the 2019 recipient of the Mary V. Gaver Scholarship.

The $3,000 scholarship was established to honor the memory of a past ALA president and Rutgers University professor, who made many contributions to library youth services. The scholarship is awarded to a person pursuing a master's degree in library and information studies, with a specialty in youth services.

Currently, Yogi works as a library associate at the Seattle Public Library (Washington). Before working at the library, Yogi worked extensively with young people through community-based activities. As a library worker, Yogi says that they “show up for youth in new ways: by stewarding free public spaces and staffing events that allow young people to access library materials outside of the library facility.“ Yogi stated, “I am dedicated to leveraging libraries as spaces for learning and transformation, centering those who are historically/presently excluded.”

Yogi’s commitment and passion is evident to those with whom they work. One reference commented that Yogi “brings such passion to their work at the library. They put patrons first and is a vocal, yet respectful advocate for eliminating barriers to access.” Another reference stated that “Yogi is an extraordinary individual. They are focused, deeply insightful, thoughtful, hard-working, and caring. Yogi’s contributions to the staff and the library as a whole have been impressive and inspiring.” Yet another reference thinks quite highly of Yogi, and commented, “I have been repeatedly impressed with Yogi’s commitment to the communities we serve and their ability to speak eloquently and convincingly about the importance of equity, justice and open access. They are a strong, empathetic, and compassionate leader. They have helped foster a culture of communication and care among the library’s employees. People are willing to be more vulnerable and open because Yogi has set the stage for us to listen, learn, and grow. Every time Yogi opens a discussion organizationally, we grow and learn a little bit more as a system. .”

Yogi will attend San Jose State University in California.

For information on the ALA Scholarship program, visit our scholarship page.

The ALA Office for Human Resource Development and Recruitment (HRDR) manages the ALA Scholarship Clearinghouse.